-He hears that the position the Pats are most associated with going into FA is defensive end. As mentioned earlier on this forum, sources told him that they were going to go after CIN DE Michael Johnson if he had not been tagged this past week. Other DE options he mentions: Antonio Garay (SD), Dwight Freeney(IND), John Abraham(ATL) and Cullen Jenkins(PHI).

-He notes that the Patriots will have plenty of inside knowledge on Dwayne Bowe, if they choose to listen. He notes Pioli, Crennel, and Daboll all have experience with Bowe.

-He points out the fact that the players who McDaniels brought in last year failed to live up to expectations. Of note - Hooman, Lloyd, Fells, Larsen and Salas.

-Restructuring too many deals equals bad cap management - eventually you have to pay the piper.

-He mentions that Brian Hoyer, because he was only active for 5 games in 2012, missed Unrestricted Free Agency and remains a RFA this offseason.

-The Patriots currently have $24.99M in cap room.

-Can the Patriots tag a guy who has had off-field problems (Talib) while letting a 'rock-solid' guy like Vollmer walk? How does that play in the locker room?

-Other notes about NH's Chip Kelly and how Peyton Manning should be healthier going into next season.

-Also, he talks at length about the unprecedented free agency period ahead.

-He thinks that Belichick will remain with the team at least through 2017(the end of Brady's deal)

-The idea of trading Mallett: He thinks it would be hard for a team to give up value for someone who hasn't shown much but the Browns would be a logical fit with Lombardi there and Norv Turner's scheme.

-Four of the first five players who were franchised this year (Melton, Byrd, Johnson, McAfee) were selected after the 1st round.

-Of the 9 players selected by the Patriots in the 2007 draft, only 2 players remain in the NFL (Merriweather and Corey Hilliard). Note: Wes Welker(traded for '07 2nd rounder) and Randy Moss(traded for '07 4th rounder) remain in the NFL.

-He thinks any decision to cut Lloyd would be more based on economics than his off-field issues. He notes that he has seen and heard of a lot worse off-field issues in the Pats locker room during his 12 years covering the team.

-This is Donald Thomas' chance to cash in.

-The final chapter of Brady's career has been set up with his new deal - with both sides having tangible end points to consider.

I don't understand people who say Lloyd was a disappointment last year...he came here for cheap, picked up first downs, worked outside the numbers and had over 900 yards as the 4th OPTION on this team...yeah, what a "disappointment"

I wouldn't trade Mallet except for an early to mid round 2nd. Otherwise, I'm not trading him.

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I'd like a 3rd but would take an early 4th plus 2014 conditional in a minute.
Hoyer or maybe Cassel could be signed as backup.
The Hammer is not Brady's replacement (too early) so why not get max value & use the 4th to trade up in the 2nd? Draft is deep into mid 2nd with players that could fill Pats holes.

What players did the Patriots draft based upon McDaniels' call last season, only to watch them bust?

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Seems fair to question whether the Patriots got good value for his talent recommendations in free agency is all. Good chance none will return. As for Lloyd, we will see if the Pats feel he brought sufficient talent to warrant the contract they thought he would be worth.

10. As noted on Feb. 3, the feeling here was that receiver Brandon Lloyd's return to the Patriots in 2013 wasn't a slam dunk, mostly because of economics. That viewpoint hasn't changed. As for any behind-the-scenes/locker-room issues, I believe they would be a small part, if any at all, in the Patriots' decision-making. Lloyd is wired a bit differently, and there was some turbulence at times, but I've seen and heard of a lot worse in the locker room over the past 12 years. My feeling is that if Lloyd was making the veteran minimum in 2013, he'd be a roster lock.

I'd like a 3rd but would take an early 4th plus 2014 conditional in a minute.
Hoyer or maybe Cassel could be signed as backup.
The Hammer is not Brady's replacement (too early) so why not get max value & use the 4th to trade up in the 2nd? Draft is deep into mid 2nd with players that could fill Pats holes.

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Another factor to consider in a possible Mallett to Cassel change is salary (Hoyer is a RFA). Mallett is on the books for short money while Cassel would probably be looking for at least $2m-3m. (he's a borderline starter). Or in other words, he'd cost a Woodhead or Edelman type FA. Is a 4th rounder plus worth it?

I suppose it depends on ones opinion, but I say no. My price would be a 2nd or no deal. Probably won't happen, but I would be prepared to hold onto Mallett for two seasons. There might be renewed interest in preseason if the injury bug hits teams.

Seems fair to question whether the Patriots got good value for his talent recommendations in free agency is all. Good chance none will return. As for Lloyd, we will see if the Pats feel he brought sufficient talent to warrant the contract they thought he would be worth.

Seems fair to question whether the Patriots got good value for his talent recommendations in free agency is all. Good chance none will return. As for Lloyd, we will see if the Pats feel he brought sufficient talent to warrant the contract they thought he would be worth.

Another factor to consider in a possible Mallett to Cassel change is salary (Hoyer is a RFA). Mallett is on the books for short money while Cassel would probably be looking for at least $2m-3m. (he's a borderline starter). Or in other words, he'd cost a Woodhead or Edelman type FA. Is a 4th rounder plus worth it?

I suppose it depends on ones opinion, but I say no. My price would be a 2nd or no deal. Probably won't happen, but I would be prepared to hold onto Mallett for two seasons. There might be renewed interest in preseason if the injury bug hits teams.

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Of course, that requires the Pats to sign a third QB before trading. . . .